How to Fix Broken and Melted Lipstick

As a makeup lover, there are few things more tragic than destroying one of your go-to products. Whether you accidentally left a tube in your car in the midst of a heatwave or pressed a little too hard mid-application, broken or melted lipstick can easily ruin your day. But, never fear, you don’t have to mourn the loss of your favorite tube of the Colour Riche Shine Lipstick for long! In fact, there are a few simple steps you can follow to salvage lipstick that’s melted or broken. Ready to come to the rescue of your lip makeup must-haves? Read on to learn how to fix broken lipstick.

HOW TO FIX BROKEN LIPSTICK

Did your lipstick break? We have you covered. Follow the steps below to fix your broken lippie.

STEP #1. REMOVE THE BROKEN PIECE

If the broken piece of lipstick hasn’t already fallen out of the tube, now’s the time to remove it. Swivel your lipstick all the way out of its tube and use gloved hands to remove the broken end.

STEP #2. SMOOTH THE BASE

Use a cotton swab to smooth out any product left in the tube. A flattened base will be easier for your broken lipstick to adhere to.

STEP #3. MELT THE BOTTOM

Use a lighter and hold your lipstick piece over the flame to help soften up the broken end. Do the same with the remaining lipstick in the tube. Make sure not to burn your lipstick or the tube (or your hand) in the process!

STEP #4. SMOOTH THE BROKEN PIECE

Grab your cotton swab once again and smooth the edge of the broken lipstick piece. Remember, the flatter it is, the easier it’ll be to combine.

STEP #5. COMBINE

Once both ends are softened, place them together. They should immediately start to melt into one another, but use your lighter to melt them further together if needed.

STEP #6. SMOOTH THINGS OUT

Since the mended parts of your lipstick are likely a little bumpy, use a toothpick to smooth out the edges for a good-as-new lipstick.

STEP #7. COOL IT OFF

Swivel the lipstick back into its tube, then put it in the fridge for around 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process. Once cool, your broken lipstick will officially be whole once again!

HOW TO FIX MELTED LIPSTICK

So, what do you do if your lipstick melted? Don’t worry, you can salvage it. Here are a few steps to follow.

STEP #1. SCRAPE OUT YOUR LIPSTICK

First, you’ll want to remove your melted lipstick from its tube. Use a small knife or paperclip to do so, taking care to get as much out of the container as you can! You can also use the end of a makeup brush. Scoop it onto a paper towel to avoid making a mess.

STEP #2. MELT IT

Gather your lipstick pieces and place them on a metal spoon. Then, hold the spoon over a lit candle until your lipstick has completely melted to get rid of any bumps.

STEP #3. REPACKAGE

Pour your melted lipstick into a new container, like a lip balm container. Whatever container you use, make sure it seals completely to keep your lipstick fresh and from creating a mess.

STEP #4. LET IT COOL

Place your newly formed lipstick into the fridge for around 30 minutes to allow it to harden. Since you no longer have a bullet lipstick, you can use a lip brush to apply it!

Editor’s note: Have a broken lipstick that just won’t go back together? You can save it the same way you would a melted one.

STEP #5: REPEAT WITH ANY OTHER MELTED LIPSTICKS

Have more than one lipstick casualty? You don’t have to spend time mending each one. Rather, consider using them to create a DIY lipstick palette filled with all of your go-to shades! Want to learn how? Check out our article, How to Curate the Perfect Lip Palette.

Next: How to Fix Broken Eyeshadow and Other Powder Makeup